color theory

Nothing lights up a room — or an outfit — quite like a pop of yellow. The bright color is the hue we associate with sunny skies and a refreshing glass of lemonade, and now, it's the favored color among this trend-inspiring set. We've spotted everyone from Beyoncé to Brooklyn Decker adding a pop of the cheery hue to eventwear and off-duty ensembles alike. Its fresh statement quality is a surefire way to update a Spring wardrobe, and as evidenced by this style crew, sometimes all it takes is a pair of lemon-hued heels or a marigold bag to achieve the desired effect (particularly against any of your monochromatic wear). Just click on to see how our favorite celebs are outfitting our latest color crush — then shop the key pieces to channel the same bright yellow hues.

Barring Halloween and Syracuse fanfare, orange doesn't typically make our daily wardrobe palette rotation. But that's all about to change. Given designers' affinity for the bold hue for both Spring '12 and Fall '12, it's time we make a serious case for orange. We've pulled on-trend looks from the likes of Burberry, Victoria Beckham, and Milly to help us colorblock the season's It color with a cool contrast. Three words: orange and blue. Whether it be a sleek pumpkin-tinged overcoat worn with embellished royal blue pumps or a soon-to-be-released Marni for H&M orange-and-blue frock, there's more than a handful of chic ways to wear this brightly matched duo. Click through to see which Spring '12 runways featured it, which celebs are wearing it, and how you can translate this color combo into your own everyday look.

Pastel hues are a regular favorite of Spring wardrobes, but this particular shade of light purple is soft enough to emphasize a sweet, feminine sensibility and cool enough to balance edgier add-ons for a surprise twist. We've been enamored with all things lilac-infused since spotting it float down the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Adam, Boy and Girl by Band of Outsiders, Jenni Kayne, and more. From lacy, boudoir-ready shorts to structured blazers, this color translates effortlessly into a variety of shapes and styles. While a pop of lilac may seem more cotton-candy friendly than downtown chic at first glance, we're here to prove that color theory wrong. It's sweet, sexy, demure, and dynamic all in one go. Click through to see how these street style setters show off new ways to flaunt this purple palette, then shop your favorite pieces.

This season's statement color goes way beyond the red-pants craze. Its hot reputation means that playing with even a dose of the fiery hue goes a long way. Case in point: this crew of impeccably-dressed street stylers show a range of red looks, adding a pop of candy-apple and fire-engine red color to their every ensemble. With each look, we're out to prove just how effective our color theory is — a touch of the bright accent on a bag, a leather mini, or a pair of heels takes your style to a whole new level. Step inside to see how this chic crew styles up the standout hue, then shop to outfit your own look à la rouge.

We're color obsessed, but not without good reason — changing up the color on your clothes has a powerful effect on your style. If you've feared venturing into brighter palettes, we're here to set you straight — well, us and a batch of street style from celebrities and real girls alike that speak perfectly to our point. With gorgeous hints of attention-grabbing kelly green, these styled examples prove the color impact is huge — and not at all hard to master. Throw on a brilliant green blazer with a camel sweater, à la Dree Hemingway, or a silky green top to further the interest of another eye-popping color. We're drawn to it for its peppy, preppy feel — and we're clearly not alone. Click through to see how these celebs and street stylers are working the statement color right now, then shop the pieces for yourself.

As Nate Berkus so poignantly pointed out, "Paint is the greatest equalizer," because everyone can afford it and do it themselves, and it "cuts out the middle man between Fashion Week and your living room." Berkus was talking paint because he was speaking on behalf of Valspar, but I think the same is true for color in general. That said, I decided to take a look back at the gorgeously appointed interiors of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase for some color inspiration. I certainly can't afford to hire any of the designers involved to update my own interiors, but I can cull palettes to use in my home. A few rooms in particular wowed me with their perfectly chosen hues, so I thought I'd share. Check 'em out!